Candace Miller, born June 20, 1947, to Martha and Guido Canclini, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020. Candy spent her entire life in Humboldt County, attending grade school at Jacoby Creek School and graduating from Arcata High School in 1965.

She had many fond memories of her early days growing up in Sunnybrae, where she met some of her lifelong friends. She was a cheerleader at Arcata High School and was named Homecoming Queen in 1964. Many people will remember seeing Candy working alongside her parents at the Plaza Shoe Shop, located on the Arcata Plaza.

After high school, Candy attended College of the Redwoods, where she enrolled in as many art classes as she could. She had a passion for the arts and remained an artist her entire life. She began her artistic journey as a fiber artist, always loving texture and form, and grew increasingly excited by turning small knots into large sculptural wall hangings, otherwise known as macramé. She was also an active member of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.

In 1967, she married Robert Miller, and together they welcomed their son, Tad Miller, in 1970. They lived in Jacoby Creek, just down the road from Candy’s parents. They later divorced in 1987, but remained friends until Robert’s death in 2020.

In 1979, Candy noticed an advertisement for “Fimo” clay in a magazine and decided to try this so-called “new” clay. She purchased several blocks at a local art supply store and immediately loved that it came in vibrant colors, was inexpensive, and traveled well. Many will remember that she began by making whimsical little lizard pins to wear. Encouraged to enter them in a local craft fair, she made 24 lizards—and sold every one. From that little “lizard beginning,” she went on to create thousands of brooches, earrings, necklaces, and buttons. She covered tin boxes with polymer clay, made clay collages, and ended her career sculpting. Candy could always be seen at holiday art fairs with her beautiful display of Fimo jewelry. She was a longtime member of the Arcata Artisans, where her jewelry was displayed for all to enjoy. Over the years, she experienced many proud moments, receiving numerous awards for her work.

Candy truly loved living on the Arcata Plaza. She enjoyed walks around town, frequenting the farmers markets, and especially looked forward to her walks at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. She was a longtime employee at Murphy’s in Sunnybrae, where she was often seen at Register 1. She enjoyed meeting families, watching their children grow, and being a helpful hand in any way she could.

Candy’s fondest memories were the many weekends spent at the family cabin on the South Fork of the Trinity River. There, she enjoyed days by the river—moving and skipping rocks, building paths, and sharing long conversations on the deck overlooking the water with family and friends. After the arrival of her two granddaughters, Sydney and Grace, she took on the yearly planning of elaborate Easter egg hunts for everyone to enjoy. In her spare time, Candy loved teaching Sydney and Grace how to make Fimo clay art and supporting them in all their endeavors.Candy was preceded in death by her parents, Guido and Martha Canclini. She is survived by her brother, Peter Canclini; her son, Tad Miller; daughter-in-law, Kelly Miller; and her two grandchildren, Sydney Hill (Miller) and her husband, Brock Hill, and Grace Miller.

A memorial service for Candy will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 11 a.m. at the Baywood Country Club. All are welcome. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Renaissance of Timber Ridge in McKinleyville for the care and love shown to Candy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humboldt Historical Society or Miranda’s Rescue.